Indonesia-Australia Agree on Customs Mutual Recognition Agreement

February 8, 2026 | 02:19 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government, through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and the Australian Government, have enforced the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program starting on January 1, 2026. This policy is aimed at expediting trade flows while strengthening international supply chain security between the two countries.

Budi Prasetiyo, the Head of Public Relations and Outreach Subdirectorate of Customs and Excise, stated that the implementation of the MRA means that Indonesian customs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) recognize each other's trusted trader programs. These programs are known as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in Indonesia and Australian Trusted Trader in Australia. "This cooperation is based on the principles of the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards," he said in an official statement on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Budi revealed that this cooperation involves the Australian Government, represented by the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF). Through MRA, both customs authorities agreed to provide equivalent treatment to businesses certified as trusted partners in cross-border export and import activities.

The AEO program certifies companies that demonstrate high levels of compliance with customs regulations and international trade security standards. Companies obtaining AEO certification are deemed to have adequate internal control systems and risk management, thereby entitling them to various customs facilitations.

Prior to its full implementation, the MRA AEO Indonesia-Australia underwent a trial phase. The trial took place from September 3 to November 3, 2025, according to Decision of the Director General of Customs and Excise Number KEP-158/BC/2025. Following the evaluation, this policy was mandated by Decree Number KEP-275/BC/2025, issued by the Director General of Customs and Excise on December 23, 2025.

The implementation of MRA AEO is seen as reflecting the active role of Customs and Excise in international cooperation in the customs field. This policy is designed to ensure the smooth flow of goods while maintaining effective supervision of potential risks associated with smuggling and transnational crimes.

Companies that use certified services benefit directly from implementing the MRA AEO. These companies receive priority in the inspection process and special handling in the event of supply chain disruptions. They also receive expedited processing of customs clearance documents.

Under the import risk management system, AEO companies also receive a 20 percent risk reduction on regular routes. With this reduced risk level, the wait time for goods at ports, or dwelling time, can be minimized, making logistics costs more efficient.

The MRA AEO facility applies to imported goods originating from Australia's loading ports using facility code 451. The BC 2.0 customs clearance document must include the Australian Trusted Trader's identification number and authorization date. Conversely, Indonesian AEO companies also enjoy procedural facilitation in export activities to Australia.

Nationally, the MRA AEO is expected to boost Indonesia's economic competitiveness by improving trade efficiency, providing businesses with greater legal certainty, and strengthening logistics security. This policy also expands Indonesia's customs cooperation network with strategic trading partners.

The MRA AEO Indonesia-Australia is a continuation of Indonesia's commitment to the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, which began with the signing of the Letter of Intent in 2005. These standards emphasize the importance of balancing trade facilitation and global supply chain security.

To support the utilization of these facilities, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise provides information and assistance services for businesses through the AEO Center at the Headquarters of Customs and Excise, AEO Lounges at vertical customs offices, and through the client managers of each certified company.

Through this support mechanism, businesses are expected to fully utilize international trade facilities while enhancing compliance and competitiveness in the global supply chain.

Read: Danantara Seeks Global Investment After MoU with Australia

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